Start/Sit: Dolphins Fantasy Football Preview Week 11

A look at Miami’s top fantasy options in this week’s start/sit edition against the Rams as the Dolphins look to extend their winning streak to five games.

The Miami Dolphins stayed out West after their dramatic thriller in San Diego. The Dolphins will now travel to LA to take on the Rams, who have already announced that #1 overall pick Jared Goff will get his first career start. The Dolphins are only favored by 1.5 points at the moment although this is a game that they should win. Despite their struggles, the Rams do still have a respectable defense. So which Miami players are worth a start this week and which are better off leaving on the bench?

Tannehill has looked better than ever during the Dolphins winning streak. In the first five games of the season, Tannehill had seven total interceptions and two fumbles lost. During Miami’s four-game winning streak, however, Tannehill has zero turnovers. With the help of a healthy offensive line and a successful run game, Tannehill has finally had the chance to show his worth since the Dolphins took him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, his improved play hasn’t improved his fantasy value. In fact, it’s actually dampered it. Tannehill hasn’t thrown for over 300 yards since Week 3, and with a ground game working so well that’s not likely to change soon. The Rams are allowing just an average of 224 passing yards a game, which is about what we can expect from Tannehill this week. Chances are he’ll add a touchdown or two through the air, but Tannehill is not a great option this week against a top 10 defense.

Ajayi had an overall good day last week against the Chargers despite a rough first half, and basically vultured by teammate Damien Williams on a couple of touchdowns. It appears that Ajayi’s 200-yard performances may be over, but he continues to perform extremely well. The Rams do not contain the run very well, giving up over 103 yards a game on the ground.

The Rams are a much more favorable matchup for Ajayi than the Jets or the Chargers. Given that he still managed success against both of those tough run defenses, Ajayi is in position for a big game on Sunday.

Landry was once again quiet in the win over the Chargers. After seeing at least 10 targets in each of the first four games, Landry has averaged just 6.4 targets since then. He’s eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark just twice this season, and not since Week 3 when he scored his only touchdown of the season.

Landry caught all six of his targets last week for 53 yards. He was outshined in a sense by teammates DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills, but had a respectable day nonetheless. As mentioned though, the Rams have a good pass defense, and the Dolphins are expected to go run heavy.

Sit

Dolphins Defense

The Dolphins defense has been a large part of their success in recent weeks. They’ve scored touchdowns in back-to-back weeks, and now rank 2nd in opponents third down efficiency behind only Baltimore. Jared Goff is expected to make mistakes in his first career start in which the Dolphins should be able to capitalize on. There is also a good chance that the defense or special teams scores for a third consecutive week.